How to Get Rotten Meat Smell Out of a Refrigerator

To remove rotten-meat odor, discard the spoiled food, wash the refrigerator’s removable parts and interior, sanitize suitable surfaces, then let the unit air out. Baking soda or an activated-carbon absorber can help with a lingering smell, but it cannot replace cleaning or make unsafe food safe.

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Clean it in this order

1. Protect the food. Keep the door closed while you gather supplies. Move food that is still cold to another refrigerator or an ice-filled cooler. Discard meat that is spoiled or questionable; never taste it to decide whether it is safe.
2. Unplug only if the manual says to. For a routine interior clean, keep the refrigerator running if possible so other food stays cold. If you need to unplug it, move all perishables first.
3. Remove shelves and drawers. Wash them with hot, soapy water, rinse, and dry. Let cold glass warm toward room temperature before washing to reduce the chance of thermal shock.
4. Wash the interior. Wipe walls, seams, shelf supports, door bins, and gasket folds with warm water and dish soap. Use a soft brush for crevices; avoid abrasive pads and strong scented cleaners that can leave residue.
5. Sanitize when appropriate. USDA FSIS advises rinsing removable parts with a sanitizing solution after washing. Follow the sanitizer label and refrigerator manual. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia, or another cleaner.
6. Dry and air out. Leave the doors open only as long as needed, with food safely stored elsewhere. Replace shelves, restore the recommended settings, and confirm the unit returns to 40°F or below before restocking perishables.

If the smell remains

First check under drawers, around the door gasket, in the drain pan, and near the ice bin; residue can hide in these places. Then place an open box of baking soda or an activated-carbon refrigerator odor absorber inside after the surfaces are clean. Replace it according to its label. A refrigerator appliance thermometer can help confirm the compartment is holding a safe temperature.

If odor returns quickly, liquid reached an inaccessible drain or insulation, or the fridge cannot hold temperature, arrange appliance service. Our guide to removing spoiled-food odor from a freezer covers the same cleanup for a freezer.

For official odor-removal steps, see USDA FSIS guidance for refrigerators and freezers. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below as recommended by FoodSafety.gov.